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Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

Designation: National Monument & Preserve

Location: Idaho

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. We invite you to explore this "weird and scenic landscape" where yesterday's volcanic events are likely to continue tomorrow.

🌤 Weather Information

Weather at Craters of the Moon is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. In February, average snow depth ranges from 26 inches at the north end of the monument to just 2 inches at the south end. Intense summer sun bakes the black lava, generating surface temperatures of 170°F and air temperatures in the 90s. Drying winds are a daily occurrence, especially in the afternoon, and may reach 15 to 30 miles per hour.

🚗 Directions

Visitor Center and Loop Drive are located 18 miles southwest of Arco, Idaho on U.S. Highway 20/26/93, 24 miles northeast of Carey, Idaho on U.S. Highway 20/26/93, 84 miles from Idaho Falls, and 90 miles from Twin Falls. Physical address is 1266 Craters Loop Road(Lat/Long: 43° 27.711'N/113° 33.7) Access to the main visitor use area is via a paved highway. Unpaved roads provide additional access to the BLM monument and NPS Preserve but should only be utilized by four wheel drive and high clearance vehicles.

Images

A close-up shot of a folded, waving sea of lava rock, with mountains in the far distance.

Craters of the Moon features the largest young lava field in the lower 48 states, encompassing the entire Great Rift volcanic zone.

Credit: NPS / David Hunter

Small purple flowers and larger white flowers with reddish stems grow out of black volcanic rock

Spectacular floral displays occur at Craters each spring, including this dwarf monkeyflower and bitterroot.

Credit: NPS / David Hunter

The Craters entrance sign sits below a starry night sky, with the milky way brightly-lit.

Craters of the Moon was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2017, making it one of the best places in the country to stargaze.

Credit: NPS / Jacob W. Frank

A figure stands inside a large lava tube on a pile of rubble, lit by a round opening overhead.

Many visitors come to Craters to explore its unique and fragile lava tubes.

Credit: NPS / Jacob W. Frank

A paved trail winds up around the side of a spatter cone.

Trails at Craters, like the Spatter Cone Trail, allow visitors to explore young volcanic features like spatter cones, cinder cones, and lava fields.

Credit: NPS / Jacob W. Frank

A panoramic view across the Craters landscape, bisected by a winding road.

Craters of the Moon features unexpectedly stunning views, such as this panoramic vista from the top of Inferno Cone.

Credit: NPS / Jacob W. Frank

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
This per-vehicle fee applies to private, non-commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days. The fee covers the driver and any passengers.
$20.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
This motorcycle fee provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.
$15.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.
$25.00
Entrance - Per Person
This per-person fee provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days. Youth age 15 and under are free.
$10.00
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
Classes or groups from accredited academic institutions may apply for a fee waiver ahead of their visit by contacting the park. Academic fee waivers are not granted automatically. Educational groups must apply and meet the two criteria to receive a fee waiver: 1) eligibility and 2) educational purpose and relevance of park resources or facilities. Groups that choose to not make a reservation or apply for an academic fee waiver will be charged the standard entrance fee per vehicle.
$0.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.
$100.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
This per-vehicle fee applies to commercial vehicles and provides entrance into the park for seven consecutive days.
$40.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
Annual entrance pass for Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve only. Valid for one year through the month of purchase. This pass can be purchased at the park entrance station.
$35.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Tuesday, Jul 21

Sunny

Sunny

High: 93.3°F | Low: 68.8°F

Humidity: 30%

Wind: 14.8 mph

Rain Chance: 36%

UV Index: 10.5

Sunrise: 06:12 AM

Sunset: 09:06 PM

Moon: First Quarter (53%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 66.2°F

Cloud Cover: 36%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Jul 22

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 80.8°F | Low: 63.6°F

Humidity: 57%

Wind: 9.4 mph

Rain Chance: 65%

UV Index: 4.5

Sunrise: 06:12 AM

Sunset: 09:05 PM

Moon: First Quarter (64%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 63°F

Cloud Cover: 65%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Jul 23

Sunny

Sunny

High: 87.8°F | Low: 60°F

Humidity: 47%

Wind: 7.6 mph

Rain Chance: 3%

UV Index: 8.7

Sunrise: 06:13 AM

Sunset: 09:05 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (74%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 64.3°F

Cloud Cover: 3%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (1)

⚠️ Heat Advisory (Moderate)
▼

Heat Advisory issued July 20 at 12:04AM MDT until July 20 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Pocatello ID

Effective: Jul 20, 2026 2:04am
Expires: Jul 20, 2026 10:00pm

* WHAT...Temperatures up to 100 expected.

* WHERE...Eastern Magic Valley, Shoshone/Lava Beds, Arco/Mud Lake
Desert, Franklin/Eastern Oneida Region, Lower Snake River Plain,
Marsh and Arbon Highlands, Raft River Region, Southern Hills/Albion
Mountains, and Upper Snake River Plain.

* WHEN...From noon today to 8 PM MDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses.

Park Alerts

Loop Road OPEN; Caves Area Closed Park Closure
The majority of the 7-mile Loop Road is OPEN to vehicles, with the exception of the short spur road to the Caves. Caves remain closed until Memorial Day Weekend due to hazardous ice and snow. The Loop Road is also open to walking, hiking, wheelchairs. Please plan accordingly.
All Lava Tube Caves Closed Due to Hazardous Conditions Park Closure
All lava tube caves are CLOSED due to snow and ice. Entry to caves is prohibited.

More Info

Navigation Caution
Please do not rely upon GPS digital navigation systems to find your way to Craters of the Moon. Please note that the Robert Limbert Visitor Center at 1266 Craters Loop Road is located just off U.S. Highway 20/26/93 and is not accessed via any unpaved roads.

More Info

Restrooms and Water Not Available at Visitor Center Park Closure
Due to construction, the Visitor Center Restrooms and water fountains are currently unavailable. Temporary restroom facilities (not wheelchair accessible*) are located to the South East of the visitor center, by the flagpole near the parking lot. Please bring plenty of water for yourself and your group. *Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located at the Lava Flow Campground, as well as the Devils Orchard & Tree Molds parking lots.
Visitor Center Opening at 2 pm on July 15, 2026 Park Closure
Due to a planned power outage, the Robert Limbert Visitor Center will open at 2 am on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Please plan accordingly. Rangers will be outside the visitor center to answer questions and provide cave permits.
Visitor Center Closed; No Water Available throughout the Park Park Closure
Due to an unexpected water main break, the Visitor Center will be unable to open to the public on Saturday 5/16/26 and no water is available in the Campground. The Park is still open for recreational activities--please bring plenty of water for everyone in your group. Vault toilets are available throughout the park.

Park Events

Full Moon Hike

Join a ranger for an evening hike along a half-mile, paved, and accessible trail to watch the full moon rise over the lava landscape. Along the way, enjoy as evening transitions to twilight and learn more about the park after dark. 

Please come prepared with layers for changing evening temperatures, water, and flashlight or headlamp. 

 

Location: Meet at Devils Orchard Trailhead

Date: May 29, 2026 12:00am to May 29, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Full Moon Hike

Join a ranger for an evening hike along a half-mile, paved, and accessible trail to watch the full moon rise over the lava landscape. Along the way, enjoy as evening transitions to twilight and learn more about the park after dark. 

Please come prepared with layers for changing evening temperatures, water, and flashlight or headlamp. 

 

Location: Meet at Devils Orchard Trailhead

Date: May 30, 2026 12:00am to May 30, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Wildflower and Ethnobotany Walk

Craters of the Moon National Monument is home to more than 750 different types of plants, including a variety of spectacular wildflowers which will, fingers crossed, hopefully be in bloom! Join Doug Owen, who worked as a park ranger, park geologist, and education specialist for 19 years at Craters of the Moon for this walk and learn about the ecology, adaptations, and traditional uses of plants.

This approximately two-mile walk will include some rough and uneven ground with some large steps up and down. Please check weather conditions and dress appropriately, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a lunch, water, and other food and beverages as needed.

Location: Meet at the Tree Molds Parking Lot

Date: May 30, 2026 12:00am to May 30, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Star Party
    Join park rangers and volunteer astronomers Friday and Saturday night for a Craters of the Moon Star Party!   Experience the universe under the park's naturally dark skies. Meet at the Caves Area Parking Lot at 9:00 pm for a ranger program given by the Astro Ranger. Telescope viewing will start around 9:45 pm. Bring a jacket, a chair, water, and a red flashlight.   As the only national park unit named for a celestial body, it is fitting that there are many ways to enjoy the night sky at Craters of the Moon. The park has been recognized as an International Dark Sky Park since 2017. Tour the heavens above by taking part of Star Parties, ranger led programs, or by spending an evening at the campground. Check out more info here!   RV or trailer parking is not available at the event site. The Lava Flow Campground is first come, first serve.    Camping is not permitted at the visitor center or at parking areas along the Loop Road. If the Lava Flow Campground is full, many camping options are available near the park.

Location: RV and trailer parking is not available at the event. The event takes place at the Caves Area which is a 20 minute drive from the visitor center.

Date: Jun 12, 2026 12:00am to Jun 12, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Star Party
    Join park rangers and volunteer astronomers Friday and Saturday night for a Craters of the Moon Star Party!   Experience the universe under the park's naturally dark skies. Meet at the Caves Area Parking Lot at 9:00 pm for a ranger program given by the Astro Ranger. Telescope viewing will start around 9:45 pm. Bring a jacket, a chair, water, and a red flashlight.   As the only national park unit named for a celestial body, it is fitting that there are many ways to enjoy the night sky at Craters of the Moon. The park has been recognized as an International Dark Sky Park since 2017. Tour the heavens above by taking part of Star Parties, ranger led programs, or by spending an evening at the campground. Check out more info here!   RV or trailer parking is not available at the event site. The Lava Flow Campground is first come, first serve.    Camping is not permitted at the visitor center or at parking areas along the Loop Road. If the Lava Flow Campground is full, many camping options are available near the park.

Location: RV and trailer parking is not available at the event. The event takes place at the Caves Area which is a 20 minute drive from the visitor center.

Date: Jun 13, 2026 12:00am to Jun 13, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Geology Nature Hike
Craters of the Moon National Monument was established in 1924 to protect its “weird and scenic” volcanic landscape. Doug Owen, who worked as a park ranger, park geologist, and education specialist for 19 years at Craters of the Moon, will lead a hike to visit and discuss a wide variety of geologic features, such as cinder cones, spatter cones, lava tubes, and block, a’a and pahoehoe lava. This approximately four-mile hike will include some off-trail hiking on uneven ground.   Please check weather conditions and dress appropriately, long pants and hiking boots or shoes are recommended. Bring a lunch, water, and other food and beverages as needed.

Location: Meet at the Tree Molds Parking Lot

Date: Jun 20, 2026 12:00am to Jun 20, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Full Moon Hike

Join a ranger for an evening hike along a half-mile, paved, and accessible trail to watch the full moon rise over the lava landscape. Along the way, enjoy as evening transitions to twilight and learn more about the park after dark. 

Please come prepared with layers for changing evening temperatures, water, and flashlight or headlamp. 

 

Location: Meet at Devils Orchard Trailhead

Date: Jun 27, 2026 12:00am to Jun 27, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Full Moon Hike

Join a ranger for an evening hike along a half-mile, paved, and accessible trail to watch the full moon rise over the lava landscape. Along the way, enjoy as evening transitions to twilight and learn more about the park after dark. 

Please come prepared with layers for changing evening temperatures, water, and flashlight or headlamp. 

 

Location: Meet at Devils Orchard Trailhead

Date: Jun 28, 2026 12:00am to Jun 28, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Star Party
    Join park rangers and volunteer astronomers Friday and Saturday night for a Craters of the Moon Star Party!   Experience the universe under the park's naturally dark skies. Meet at the Caves Area Parking Lot at 9:15 pm for a ranger program given by the Astro Ranger. Telescope viewing will start around 10 pm. Bring a jacket, a chair, water, and a red flashlight.   As the only national park unit named for a celestial body, it is fitting that there are many ways to enjoy the night sky at Craters of the Moon. The park has been recognized as an International Dark Sky Park since 2017. Tour the heavens above by taking part of Star Parties, ranger led programs, or by spending an evening at the campground. Check out more info here!   RV or trailer parking is not available at the event site. The Lava Flow Campground is first come, first serve.    Camping is not permitted at the visitor center or at parking areas along the Loop Road. If the Lava Flow Campground is full, many camping options are available near the park.

Location: RV and trailer parking is not available at the event. The event takes place at the Caves Area which is a 20 minute drive from the visitor center.

Date: Jul 10, 2026 12:00am to Jul 10, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Star Party
    Join park rangers and volunteer astronomers Friday and Saturday night for a Craters of the Moon Star Party!   Experience the universe under the park's naturally dark skies. Meet at the Caves Area Parking Lot at 9:15 pm for a ranger program given by the Astro Ranger. Telescope viewing will start around 10 pm. Bring a jacket, a chair, water, and a red flashlight.   As the only national park unit named for a celestial body, it is fitting that there are many ways to enjoy the night sky at Craters of the Moon. The park has been recognized as an International Dark Sky Park since 2017. Tour the heavens above by taking part of Star Parties, ranger led programs, or by spending an evening at the campground. Check out more info here!   RV or trailer parking is not available at the event site. The Lava Flow Campground is first come, first serve.    Camping is not permitted at the visitor center or at parking areas along the Loop Road. If the Lava Flow Campground is full, many camping options are available near the park.

Location: RV and trailer parking is not available at the event. The event takes place at the Caves Area which is a 20 minute drive from the visitor center.

Date: Jul 11, 2026 12:00am to Jul 11, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
Craters of the Moon National Monument
1266 Craters Loop Road
Arco, ID 83213

🏤 Mailing Address:
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
1266 Craters Loop Road
Arco, ID 83213

📞 Voice Phone: 2085271300

📞 Fax Phone: 2085273073

✉️ Email: crmo_information@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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